CCTV cameras are being fitted to all fire engines in Salford to deter attacks on firefighters.

There were 248 attacks in Greater Manchester last year, and it is hoped the cameras will help gather evidence against perpetrators.

After a successful pilot in the city, which suffered the highest level of incidents, the scheme is now being rolled out across the borough.

Any evidence of attacks captured by the cameras will be passed to police.

Chief Fire Officer Barry Dixon said it was "sad" the service was having to go to extreme lengths to protect crews.

"During the pilot we experienced the benefits of having CCTV as we were able to use the footage to secure a conviction," he added.

Each engine is being fitted with cameras that will record digital images of all sides of the engine.

Money for the scheme has been provided by the Salford Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.

Coun David Lancaster, Salford City Council's member for community safety, said the attacks were "totally unacceptable".

"We are determined to support fire crews, and will continue to prevent this kind of behaviour," he added.

The system is being rolled out to individual boroughs across Greater Manchester throughout 2007.